When Beale Park opens for the new season next month, eight-year-old Ellie Krefting will be the star of the show.

Not only did Ellie win a poster competition to mark National Nest Box Week, which coincides with Beale Park’s opening, but part of her prize is to officially open the park on Monday, February 14.

The competition, run by Primary Times magazine for the British Trust for Ornithology, required a poster to urge people to Give a Bird a Home – and Englefield C of E Primary school pupil Ellie’s design was a flyaway winner.

Park curator Dave Coles popped into the school to give Ellie her prize, which includes a day for her and her classmates at Beale Park learning about the rare and endangered birds that live there. They can also visit the bird hide and have a go at building nest boxes.

Mr Coles said: “Ellie’s design was spot on. She has brought our message to life beautifully by illustrating the building of a nest box with a bird waiting alongside, ready to move in.

“We are hoping that such a clever design will inspire local youngsters to join us during our two-week campaign – the first week being National Nest Box Week (February 14-21) and the consecutive week which is half term.”